hand in hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hand in hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe two people doing something together in a cooperative or intimate manner, or to describe a situation in which two entities are inextricably linked. For example, you could say, "The couple walked hand in hand along the beach as the sun set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

That goes hand in hand".

The New York Times - Sports

"Those go hand in hand.

The New York Times - Tech

"We work hand in hand together.

The New York Times - Sports

Snark and racism go hand in hand.

The New Yorker

"They have to go hand in hand".

The New York Times

I think it goes hand in hand".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The two have worked hand-in-hand.

The New York Times

But the two go hand-in-hand.

The New York Times

The last two go hand-in-hand.

Columbia University

The two can go hand-in-hand.

The Washington Post

Sleep goes hand-in-hand with mood.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hand in hand" to vividly portray collaboration, intimacy, or the close relationship between two or more elements. It adds a personal touch to descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "hand in hand" in overly formal or technical writing where a more precise term like "coordinated" or "integrated" would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hand in hand" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing how an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a close connection, cooperation, or intimacy. For example, "They walked hand in hand" describes the manner of walking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hand in hand" is a versatile adverbial phrase that describes a close connection, cooperation, or intimate relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While it's generally appropriate for neutral register, overusing it in formal or technical contexts should be avoided. Consider using alternatives like "closely linked" or "in partnership" to add nuance. Remember, the examples in Ludwig illustrate its appropriate usage, providing valuable insight for writers aiming for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closely linked

Stresses the strong connection and interdependence between two or more elements.

interconnected

Highlights the mutual relationships and dependencies between different entities.

in close cooperation

Focuses on the collaborative aspect, emphasizing joint effort and teamwork.

mutually dependent

Focuses on the reliance each entity has on the other for success or functioning.

in conjunction

Highlights the combined action or occurrence of two or more things.

in partnership

Emphasizes a formal or agreed alliance towards a common goal.

in unison

Implies simultaneous and harmonious action or agreement.

shoulder to shoulder

Suggests solidarity and mutual support, particularly in facing challenges.

in league

Indicates a secret or tacit agreement to act together, often for a specific purpose.

in alliance

Similar to "in partnership", but may imply a more temporary or situational agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "hand in hand" in a sentence?

The phrase "hand in hand" can be used to describe people walking together showing affection, such as, "The children walked "hand in hand" to school". It can also describe two things that are closely related, for example, "Success and hard work go "hand in hand"".

What does it mean when two things go "hand in hand"?

When two things go "hand in hand", it means they are closely connected or related and often occur together or are dependent on each other. For example, "Innovation and progress go "hand in hand"".

Are there any alternatives to saying "hand in hand"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "closely linked", "in partnership", or "working together". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the relationship or connection.

Is it correct to say "hand in hand" or should it be "hands in hands"?

The correct phrase is "hand in hand". "Hands in hands" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used. "Hand in hand" implies a shared or cooperative action or a close relationship.